Domestic Violence

Race Riots

04/16/2001

Question:

In Cincinnati, there have been race riots over the last couple of days downtown, in response to another recent killing of an unarmed black man by police. What makes people react with generalized violence to a specific violent act? The people that rioters are hurting have nothing to do with what they are protesting. What should a person do if they find themselves under attack in a riot situation?

Answer:

There are no recommended guidelines for staying safe during a riot, but there are some common sense things we all can do. The first would be to stay home or indoors. Avoid any dangerous or potentially dangerous areas, because even innocent bystanders can be injured. If you live or are trapped in an area of disturbance, stay inside. Lock all of the doors and windows. Close the shades or blinds, this will accomplish two things, first no one can see inside and if a window is broken this may prevent flying glass from injuring anyone. If you must go out lock your car doors, try not to travel alone, avoid the dangerous areas and use main streets.

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